Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines all the flavors you love about lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and efficient, while the layers of seasoned meat, tomato sauce, and broken lasagna noodles create a hearty meal that’s as filling as it is flavorful. The creamy ricotta and Parmesan finish off the dish, adding a luscious, cheesy texture that makes each spoonful even more delightful. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for very lean beef or if using turkey)
- 1-1.5 pounds lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
Optional garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Meat: Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil (if using) and ground beef or sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). If you’re using turkey, you may want to add the olive oil to help prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Add Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.”
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, ricotta, and freshly grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated mozzarella cheese. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes (including pressure cooking)
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat (or omit entirely) and vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Spicy lasagna soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the pot for a spicier kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the soup as the noodles absorb some of the liquid upon storing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ground meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat, but it’s best to thaw it first for easier cooking. If cooking from frozen, use the sauté mode to break it up as it thaws.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day as they have time to meld together.
Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using smaller pasta shapes.
Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?
Yes, you can use dairy-free ricotta and a non-dairy cheese alternative to make this soup dairy-free. You can also skip the ricotta and Parmesan if preferred.
Can I freeze this lasagna soup?
Yes, you can freeze lasagna soup for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or beef broth depending on your flavor preference.
How do I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked noodles with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few seconds. Adding extra ricotta will also make the soup creamier.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes! You can add diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the soup for added texture and nutrition.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients.
Can I make this soup in a regular pot instead of the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this soup in a regular pot. Simply sauté the meat and vegetables in a large pot, then add the liquids and seasonings, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the noodles are cooked.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a delicious, easy-to-make twist on the classic lasagna that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with rich flavors and all the comforting elements of lasagna, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or as a hearty weeknight dinner, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.
PrintInstant Pot Lasagna Soup
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a quick, one-pot soup format. With layers of marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef or turkey, broken lasagna noodles, and a creamy ricotta finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (including pressure cooking)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for very lean beef or if using turkey)
1–1.5 pounds lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup ricotta
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated mozzarella
Optional garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the olive oil (if using) and ground beef or sausage. Cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). If using turkey, add oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Stir gently to ensure noodles are submerged.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’ Select ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to ‘Venting.’
- Stir in balsamic vinegar, ricotta, and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for flavor.
Spicy lasagna soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop, adding extra broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg